What does winning mean to you?
Is it standing on a stage, taking first place, walking away with the prize money or the applause?
That’s what I thought too—until God showed me that His version of “winning” looks very different from the world’s.
Let me take you back to June 11th, a day that started with ambition and ended with surrender.
Everything Was Ready… Until It Wasn’t
I was a top ten finalist in a national speaker’s competition. It was happening over Zoom, and I had everything prepared—my notes, lighting, camera, even a quiet space. All that remained was getting dressed and showing up.
Then, at 3 p.m., life interrupted. My husband got a call from his cardiologist with urgent instructions: “Go to the ER right away.” He couldn’t drive himself.
I knew at that moment—none of my preparations mattered. I had to go with him.
So, we headed to the hospital. Machines beeped, nurses bustled in and out, and somewhere in that sterile, chaotic room, the competition began without me.
That’s when my coach texted: “You can still do this.”
I looked around. All I had was my phone. No notes, no lighting, no quiet space, no makeup—and honestly, not even a calm spirit.
And then God whispered something unexpected:
“Compete anyway.”
No Trophy, But A Victory
So, I did.
Sitting in the corner of the hospital room, phone in hand, with my husband hooked to machines, I gave the talk I’d prepared. Not perfection, just obedience.
I didn’t win as a finalist. But I did win in God’s eyes.
Because I said yes—when it was uncomfortable, uncertain, and far from ideal. And in that moment, He met me with His peace.
What I Learned in That Moment
God wasn’t looking for:
- The perfect setup
- A professional camera
- My best outfit or styled hair
He was looking for my YES. He was looking for a heart that would obey—even in the mess.
And He reminded me of this truth:
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
- Not through my circumstances.
- Not through my environment.
- Not through my preparation.
But through Him.
What is God Asking of You?
Maybe you’re waiting for the perfect conditions to say yes to God. But what if He’s just waiting for your obedience?
What is He calling you to do today—even if it’s inconvenient, messy, or hard? You don’t have to have it all together. You just have to trust.
Prayer
Lord, help me to say yes even when the timing feels wrong or I don’t feel ready. Teach me that Your strength is enough, and that my obedience is what You desire most. Amen
“Mom Marie”
So moved by your continued testimony!
Gods timing is perfection!
Relieved that Hank is okay.
Love & Hugs
Sandy & Danny
Sandy & Danny,
Thank you for reading the blog. Your words are an encouragement to me.
Yes, God’s timing is always perfect.
Blessings
Marie
Thank you for reading the blog.
I appreciate you sharing your heart. He knows we get disappointed. I admit I was disappointed because I had prepared for the opportunity but what God showed me was so much better. He always knows what we need at the right time. We may not always understand and that is okay.
Thank you for your continued “YES”. Your example has helped me find my yes.
You are a great example to the women you serve. Thank you for your encouragement.
Thank you for your continued “YES”. Your example has helped me find my yes.
What a wonderful message,Marie. What God wants from us is our obedience, I’m glad you said yes,despite everything happening around you. I hope Hank is doing well. 🙏
Thank you for reading the blog and your encouraging words. Hank is doing well. He is going through all the follow up testing now.
Let your yes be yes and your no be no. What a beautiful testimony.Thank you for sharing this. I remember this day so well.
Let your yes be yes and your no be no. What a beautiful testimony.Thank you for sharing this. I remember this day so well.
Thank you for reading the blog. I appreciate your encouraging words.
Blessings
Wow, Marie, this is powerful….
Yes Lord!….
Thank you for reading the blog. Yes, He is powerful.
And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
I truly enjoyed reading this!!!
Thanks for sharing ♡♡♡
Thank you for reading the blog and the encouraging words.
Yes, all things do work together for good. He is a good good Father.
You are such am amazing example of obedience and devotion to our Lord Jesus. Prayers for your husband. You are a winner in God’s eyes and mine. 🙏🙌♥️
Thank you for the encouraging and uplifting words. I appreciate your support.
To have been part of your prayer support that day and to now read what the Lord showed you… I feel truly blessed.
He is indeed looking for our ‘yes.’ And every time we let that word fall off our lips, we win.
Thank you for praying and encouraging me. I am blessed. You have taught me so much.
I always want my heart to be ready to say “yes”.
Blessings
Love this ❤️
Thank you for reading the blog. I appreciate your support and encouragement.
That was beautiful I have recently accepted God into my heart and life and through him I have found strength and peace that I never thought possible. Thank you Marie.
That is great news. I am so happy for you. He is a good good Father. He gives us peace and strength.
Thank you for reading the blog.
That was beautiful I have recently welcome god in my heart and life and I have gained strength and clarity that I never thought was possible for me. Thank you Marie for sharing your story.
Thank you for reading the blog.
I am so happy for you. The peace that comes from trusting God is amazing. Thank you for your encouraging me.
What a wonderful lesson, Marie! How is your husband??
Thank you for reading the block and committing. Your words are encouraging.
I pray I will always be willing to learn and grow with God. He is an amazing Father.
Hank is going for all the follow up testing. God has us in the waiting room now.
Should read commenting not committing.
Oh my. I experienced it with you from San Diego on Zoom and marveled at what you were able to do in those circumstances.
Plus how Terilee handled that very sensitive situation.
So what can I say? But. Jesus Jesus Jesus
Beautifully written. So proud of you!
Love, Carol
Oh my. I experienced it with you from San Diego on Zoom and marveled at what you were able to do in those circumstances.
Plus how Terilee handled that very sensitive situation.
So what can I say? But. Jesus Jesus Jesus
Beautifully written. So proud of you!
Love, Carol
Thank for reading the blog. Your words are an encouragement to me. Yes, when we let Him have full control; things always work out better. He is a faithful Father.
I believe obedience is where I struggle at sometimes, but then sometimes I don’t. I’m hoping to be obedient at all times.
I believe obedience is where I struggle at sometimes, but then sometimes I don’t. I’m hoping to be obedient at all times.
Kim, thank you for sharing your struggle. I think most of us have struggled with obedience. God is forgiving, patient, kind, compassionate, caring and loving. He knows are hearts. He never gives up on us. He is a good good Father. I will be praying for you.
Isn’t that just like our God to use something that we think was a hiccup for his glory? he makes all things work together for good
AMEN!! His plan is always better than ours.
This was great message for me to learn. It touched my heart, I was disappointed about a concern that I was believed God for.
Thank you for reading the blog. I’m glad it touched your heart. God understands our disappointments. We don’t understand sometimes but we have to trust Him. Praying for you.